New cross-border network strengthens regional digital connectivity
Indonesia has officially launched the Pukpuk Submarine Cable System (Puk-Puk 1), marking the country’s first direct international undersea cable connection with Papua New Guinea. The project is expected to enhance digital connectivity and strengthen telecommunications resilience across the Asia-Pacific region.
State-owned telecommunications company Telkom Indonesia announced that the cable system directly links Jayapura in Indonesia’s Papua province with Vanimo in Papua New Guinea. The infrastructure represents the first cross-border submarine cable in the region to establish a direct telecommunications connection between the two neighboring countries.
Jayapura becomes strategic connectivity hub
According to the company, the landing station in Jayapura, operated by Telin, Telkom Indonesia’s international business arm, serves as a key gateway connecting Papua New Guinea’s Kumul Telkom Holdings to wider international networks.
Through the new system, internet capacity from the SEA-US international cable network can now be delivered more efficiently to remote provinces in Papua New Guinea via Vanimo.
Telkom Indonesia stated that the operation of the cable system provides Jayapura with two independent international connectivity routes. One route connects Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua, while the second route links Vanimo to Jayapura before continuing to Manado and Los Angeles through the SEA-US cable network.
Officials attend inauguration ceremony in Papua
The submarine cable system was officially inaugurated on Friday at Telkom Witel Jayapura in Papua. The ceremony was attended by Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Angga Raka Prabowo, Telkom Indonesia President Director Dian Siswarini, along with government and telecommunications representatives from both Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
Improving infrastructure resilience in Eastern Indonesia
Telkom Indonesia said the project is also designed to strengthen digital infrastructure resilience in Papua by introducing an alternative connectivity route. The additional network pathway is intended to help maintain stable and reliable telecommunications services, particularly across eastern Indonesia and surrounding areas.
The company added that the new undersea cable system supports broader regional efforts to improve digital inclusion and connectivity reliability throughout the Asia-Pacific region.